Dog daycare or dog walker: Which is best for your dog?

Dog walker: What to expect

Hiring a dog walker is a convenient option for many pet owners. Typically, a professional dog walker will come to your home, take your dog for a walk – usually for about an hour – and return them home. This break provides your dog with exercise, a toilet stop, and some fresh air. However, is it enough to meet the needs of an active, social dog?

Pros of hiring a dog walker

Cost-Effective: Generally, dog walkers are more affordable than full-day daycare, especially for short-term or occasional use. This makes dog walkers a popular option for pet owners on a budget who may only need occasional support.

Minimal Commitment: Dog walks can be scheduled as needed, with no full-day commitment. This flexibility makes it easier to fit into your schedule, allowing you to book a walk when you know you’ll be out for long stretches.

One-on-One Attention: Some dogs prefer solo walks, especially those who are shy, anxious, or not well-socialised with other dogs. If your dog thrives in quieter environments or needs the calm and attention of a solo walk, a dog walker could provide that benefit.

Cons of hiring a dog walker

No License or Training Required: Unlike dog daycare providers, dog walkers do not need to be licensed or trained. This means that anyone can offer dog walking services, and there are no guarantees about their experience or ability to handle complex situations, such as dealing with aggressive dogs or emergencies. The lack of certification means you have to vet the walker yourself or rely on testimonials and reviews, which may not always provide the full picture.

Packs of Dogs: Some dog walkers manage multiple dogs at once, creating “packs.” While this may provide more socialisation for your dog, it can also pose safety risks. Aggression may arise within the pack, and external dogs may approach, leading to potentially stressful or unsafe encounters. With several dogs on leashes at once, managing them all can be challenging, especially if a dog exhibits reactive behaviour.

Limited Exercise and Socialisation: An hour’s walk may not be enough to meet your dog’s energy levels, and it doesn’t provide much opportunity for interaction with other dogs unless they’re walked in a pack. Highly energetic or social dogs may find that a quick walk around the neighbourhood simply doesn’t meet their needs..

Loneliness: Once the walk is over, your dog is typically left alone for the rest of the day. While the walk breaks up their day, loneliness and boredom can still creep in, especially if they’re used to more companionship or activity. For dogs with separation anxiety, this time alone could exacerbate their stress.

Dog daycare: A better option?

Doggy daycare, like Muddies Dog Daycare, provides a full day of care, play, and supervision in a safe and stimulating environment. Your dog spends the day interacting with other dogs and humans, playing, and enjoying supervised walks and activities.

Pros of dog daycare

Exercise and Play: At Muddies, dogs receive ample exercise, including a one-hour walk in Morden Hall Park, at no extra cost. On top of that, they have the chance to play and socialise all day. This means your dog not only gets physical exercise but also engages in interactive games and activities, keeping them mentally stimulated. High-energy dogs benefit from the structured play, while more laid-back dogs can still enjoy the company and less strenuous activities.

Socialisation: Daycare offers structured social opportunities with other dogs, improving their behaviour and confidence in group settings. Socialisation is crucial for dogs, especially young ones, as it helps them develop good manners and communication skills with other dogs. Regular social interaction in a controlled environment can significantly reduce the chances of aggression and anxiety in public settings.

Certified and Trained Staff: At Muddies, we are certified by Merton Council, ensuring our team is qualified to care for dogs in a safe and responsible manner. We are also trained to handle behavioural issues, including aggression, which is crucial for maintaining a balanced environment. Certification ensures that your dog is in capable hands and that the staff are knowledgeable about canine body language, first aid, and positive reinforcement techniques.

Constant Supervision: Your dog is supervised all day by experienced professionals, which is a big advantage over unsupervised time at home after a walk. This level of supervision ensures that any potential behavioural issues or health concerns are noticed and addressed promptly, reducing the risk of accidents or problems escalating.

Aggression Management: Unlike dog walking packs, where fights can break out between poorly matched dogs, Muddies carefully screens all dogs for temperament before they join the group. Our certified staff are trained to manage any behavioural issues that arise. This careful vetting process helps create a harmonious group dynamic, where dogs can safely play and interact with one another.

Mental Stimulation: In addition to physical exercise, your dog will enjoy mentally stimulating activities, which helps to prevent boredom and destructive behaviours. Puzzle games, training exercises, and interactive play keep your dog engaged, making sure their mind is as exercised as their body.

Flexibility: With rolling monthly memberships and ad-hoc daycare options, Muddies offers flexibility based on your schedule. We also provide out-of-hours care, making sure your dog is safe if you’re unexpectedly delayed. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for pet owners who have unpredictable work hours or last-minute plans.

Additional Perks: Our weekend daycare and dog boarding services are available for emergencies, business trips, or personal situations, which a dog walker simply can’t provide. We also offer overnight boarding, allowing you to travel with peace of mind knowing your dog is being cared for in a familiar, safe environment.

Cons of dog daycare

Higher Cost: Daycare tends to be more expensive than a single dog walk, but many owners find the benefits – like exercise, socialisation, and supervision – well worth the investment.

Not Suitable for Every Dog: Dogs that are very shy or anxious may take longer to adjust to the daycare environment, although with careful introduction and time, many dogs thrive.

A closer look: Safety and supervision

One area where dog daycare has a clear advantage over dog walking is safety. In daycare, your dog is constantly supervised by trained professionals who can intervene if a problem arises. This reduces the risk of injury or conflict. In contrast, while out on a walk, your dog may encounter unpredictable situations, such as aggressive off-leash dogs or dangerous obstacles. Furthermore, dog walkers often handle multiple dogs, which makes it difficult for them to give each dog the attention they need.

Aggression concerns in dog walking

A common concern with dog walkers is managing multiple dogs simultaneously. Even well-behaved dogs can become reactive in a pack, especially when encountering external dogs or unfamiliar stimuli. Aggression between dogs can escalate quickly, and with several dogs on leashes, controlling the situation becomes challenging. Without formal training, dog walkers may not be equipped to handle these potentially dangerous encounters.

In contrast, daycare environments, like Muddies, are designed to mitigate these risks. Dogs are screened for their temperament before being accepted, and staff members are trained to manage group dynamics, preventing aggressive behaviours before they escalate.

Example scenario: Dog walker vs. doggy daycare

Imagine a single dog walker handling six dogs on a busy street. Suddenly, an off-leash dog approaches the pack. Some of the leashed dogs might react aggressively or defensively. Now, the walker must manage multiple leashes while keeping the dogs under control. This can quickly become overwhelming and unsafe for the dogs.

Now picture a dog daycare setting where trained staff monitor the dogs in a controlled, enclosed space. Any dogs showing signs of discomfort or anxiety can be redirected or separated, ensuring a safe and calm environment. This is why certified daycare staff are crucial – they understand the intricacies of dog behaviour and are trained to act before issues arise.

At Muddies, when we take our dogs externally for walks, we use two staff members between a maximum of five dogs, ensuring that each dog receives close attention and care. This reduces the risk of external dogs approaching the group and keeps our walks peaceful, safe, and enjoyable for your pet.

With this level of care, your dog can explore the outdoors in a safe, supervised setting and still return to the familiar comfort of our eco-friendly home doggy daycare for further play and relaxation.

The social and mental benefits of daycare

While physical exercise is important, the mental and social aspects of dog care are just as critical. A well-socialised dog is happier and more confident, both with humans and other animals. Daycare provides an opportunity for dogs to learn appropriate social cues, build friendships, and engage in mentally stimulating activities that keep them entertained and balanced.

Dogs are naturally social creatures, and many enjoy the opportunity to interact with other dogs in a safe and structured environment. Daycare offers a unique opportunity for dogs to engage in healthy, supervised play, which is essential for their mental and emotional well-being.

Why mental stimulation matters

A bored dog is often a destructive dog.

Without adequate mental stimulation, dogs can develop unwanted behaviours such as excessive barking, chewing, or digging. Doggy daycare provides opportunities for enrichment through play, training, and games, ensuring that your dog is mentally and physically tired by the time they return home.

Choosing the right option for your dog

Ultimately, the choice between dog daycare and hiring a dog walker depends on your dog’s individual needs and your schedule. If your dog thrives on social interaction, needs a lot of exercise, or experiences separation anxiety, daycare is likely the better option. However, for dogs who prefer quiet walks or need one-on-one attention, a dog walker might be the way to go.

If you’re still unsure about which option is best for your dog, it might be worth trying both to see how your dog responds. Every dog is different, and their needs can change depending on their age, temperament, or lifestyle. For example, younger dogs with higher energy levels may benefit more from the stimulating environment of dog daycare, while older or more independent dogs may prefer the quiet, one-on-one experience of a dog walker.

Some owners even combine the two services. You might choose doggy daycare a few days a week for socialisation and play, and hire a dog walker for the remaining days when your dog might need a slower pace or some quiet time. The key is to be flexible and observe how your dog reacts to each option.

Vetting your dog care providers

Whether you decide to go with a dog walker or dog daycare, it’s essential to properly vet whoever will be looking after your dog. Not all dog walkers or doggy daycare providers operate with the same level of care or professionalism, and it’s your responsibility to ensure your dog is in safe hands.

For dog walkers, ask questions about how many dogs they walk at a time, their experience with different dog breeds, and how they handle emergencies or aggression. It’s crucial to confirm whether they carry insurance in case something goes wrong during a walk. A responsible dog walker will also ask about your dog’s behaviour, triggers, and medical history before accepting them.

When selecting a dog daycare, like Muddies, it’s important to visit the facility in person. Ask to see where the dogs spend their day, and ensure the environment is clean, safe, and well-maintained. Inquire about staff qualifications, dog-to-handler ratios, and how they manage dog behaviour. A good doggy daycare will also ask about your dog’s temperament and conduct a trial day to see how they fit in with the group.

At Muddies, all dogs are screened for temperament, and we prioritise the safety and happiness of each dog. With a staff-to-dog ratio of no more than five dogs per handler, you can rest assured that your dog is receiving personal attention and care throughout the day.